What is kinship, and is it cultural or biological? Explain the differences between matrilineal, patrilineal, and bilateral kinship systems.

Midterm Essay

This midterm, take-home exam essay consists of three parts. You may determine how many pages you wish to devote to each part.

Part One | Are gender and age cultural or biological phenomena? How are gender and age used by different groups in different ways to organize society, the division of labor, and governance? Use specific examples from readings and lectures, and cite at least two course texts (can include Eriksen).

Part Two | What is kinship, and is it cultural or biological? Explain the differences between matrilineal, patrilineal, and bilateral kinship systems. Use specific examples from readings and lectures, and cite at least two course texts (can include Eriksen).

Part Three | Both race-based and caste-based systems of social stratification create barriers for some and opportunities for others. How are race and caste similar, and how are they different? And how do race-based and caste-based systems compare with respect to unequal treatment? Use specific examples from readings and lectures, and discuss Shah’s Nightmarch as part of your response.

Your essays should be thoroughly proofread for typos, though only by you: because this is an exam (and not a research paper), ask that you do not use any outside help or the use of external assistance can result in a failing grade for the exam.